Carl Rothrock is an immigration lawyer with offices in Fort Myers, Naples, Boca Raton, and Miami, Florida. He has represented thousands of immigrants from more than 100 countries. He is admitted to practice before all Immigration Courts in the country and is AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell.
Rothrock Immigration Lawyer | Miami | Florida | USA
Carl Rothrock is a Business Immigration Attorney in Miami, Florida.
Carl Rothrock is a Miami business immigration attorney, who has represented thousands of clients, including E2, L1 and EB5 applications. The firm’s specialty is business immigration, including forming regional centers, assisting investors in E2 treaty visas, L visas, and EB5 investment visas, and assisting employers and employees with EB1, EB2, and EB3 visas. In addition, Carl represents individuals in family based immigration services, such as K1 and K2 fiancée visas, marriage visas, I-130 relative visas, I-485 adjustment of status applications, and N-400 and 600 naturalization and citizenship proceedings. Further, the Rothrock Law Firm has successfully obtained waivers for inadmissibility, including unlawful presence, misrepresentation, fraud, and criminal acts. All of the attorneys at the Rothrock Law Firm have been licensed for more than 25 years and all attorneys are rated AV Preemminent by Martindale Hubbell.
Awards, Recognitions, and Memberships
“AV Preeminent®, the highest ranking level of professional excellence, skill and integrity under the Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating System
Perfect 10.0 score on AVVO.com, a lawyer rating and referral website
Member, Academy of International Business, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Recent Case Approvals
We received approvals in all of these categories in the last eighteen months:
EB1A, Extraordinary Ability Green Cards
EB1C, Executive Green Cards
EB2NIW, National Interest Waiver Green Cards
EB2, Advanced Degree Green Cards
EB3, Skilled Worker Green Cards
PERM labor certification
E2 Visas
E1 Visas
L1A Visas for Executives
L1B Visas for Specialized Skill Workers
H1B Specialty Occupation Visas
TN Visas for Canadians
601 Waivers for fraud, criminal history, and unlawful presence
Citizenship Applications
Marriage Based Green Cards (adjustment of status and consular processing)
Family Based Green Cards
Fiancée Visas
Biography of Carl Rothrock | Miami Business Immigration Lawyer
Prior to practicing immigration law, Carl served as a complex litigation consultant to the defense teams of many Fortune 100 companies, including Shell Oil, British Petroleum, Chevron, Chesapeake Energy, Bank of America, UBS Bank of Switzerland, Johnson & Johnson, American Airlines, and Walmart. He has acted as counsel for over 800 clients in a defective product litigation involving defective construction materials.
Carl has always believed that success begins with hard work. He started mowing orange groves for his father at the age of 8 and continued working for his father’s construction company through high school. Carl took extra classes throughout high school and graduated from high school at age 16. While working two jobs in college, he saved enough money to attend law school without applying for a student loan. He has developed residential and commercial real estate projects and understands the day to day frustrations faced by small business owners.
Carl is a licensed Certified Building Contractor in Florida and is a licensed attorney in the State of Texas. In addition, he is admitted to practice before all Immigration Courts in the United States and the Board of Immigration Appeals. His unique background and qualifications have enabled him to guide foreign investors through the process of doing business in the United States. Carl’s hobbies are scuba diving, boating, and rescuing animals.
To schedule a consultation, call the Rothrock Law Firm at (305) 677-9048.
Carl Rothrock is a Florida immigration attorney who files E2 Visa applications for citizens of Germany.
E-2 Treaty Visa Germany. Carl Rothrock, immigration attorney in Boca Raton, Florida, files E2 treaty visa applications for Germany citizens wishing to enter the United States. The E-2 visa is a temporary business visa that allows a foreign citizen to develop and manage a business. The citizen must contribute a substantial amount of capital in the business venture.
E-E-22 treaty visa requirements for Germany
German nationals must control the majority ownership or control of the investing or trading company.
A citizen of Germany must file the E2 application.
An E-2 visa is temporary. An embassy can issue an E2 visa for a maximum of five years; however, each country’s treaty dictates how long the treaty may be issued.
Each E2 treaty country has specific requirements for eligibility. Click this link to see the specific E2 treaty requirements for Germany.
Families of E2 Treaty Applicants
The spouse and children (under age 21) of the E2 visa holder can obtain an E2 derivative visa.
A spouse can apply for a work permit, and the children can attend school if they hold an E2 derivative visa. The spouse need not work for the E2 company. The spouse can work anywhere in the United States that allows work authorization.
Contact an Immigration Attorney today for a free consultation
Contact a highly experienced immigration attorney to file your E2 investor application. Carl Rothrock is an immigration lawyer in Boca Raton, Florida. He has been licensed to practice law since 1989. He has represented thousands of clients from more than 100 countries. Mr. Rothrock is admitted to practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals and all Immigration Courts in the United States. He represents clients within and outside the U.S. To schedule a free initial consultation, call Rothrock Immigration Lawyer Boca Raton today.
Investor Visas | Rothrock Immigration Lawyer | Naples, Fort Myers, Boca Raton, Miami
Carl Rothrock has counseled thousands of clients in selecting the right investor visa.
U.S. immigration lawyer Carl Rothrock has successfully filed thousands of cases, including E2, L1, and EB5 investor visas. He has offices throughout Florida, including Naples, Fort Myers, Boca Raton, Miami, and Ft. Lauderdale. Miami and South Florida are continuing to develop into a coveted site for both U.S. domestic and international business. Immigrants have played a large part in this success story, by staffing, managing and owning businesses – from small start-up operations, to companies with regional and international connections. The U.S. Government recognizes the benefits of such activity and encourages it. The government provides immigration laws and policies which reward and benefit entrepreneurs and their employees. These rewards often include pathways to U.S. Citizenship for investors, managers, employees and their families.
Types of Investor Visas (Click the link to see more information).
EB5 Visa: This visa is sometimes called the “Golden Visa” because an investor can obtain a green card by investing a large sum of money. This visa currently requires an investment of $800,000 USD to $1,050,000.00 USD. The amounts change frequently and should be verified prior to applying. Depending on the type of EB5 visa selected, the investor may not need to participate in managing the business.
E2 Treaty Visa: This visa allows an investor to enter the United States with a smaller investment amount. Depending on the investor’s country of citizenship, the investor might be able to own and operate a business with a substantial investment. Although this visa does not lead to a permanent green card, it allows the investor to work in the U.S. for up to five years, and it can be renewed indefinitely.
E1 Treaty Visa: This visa allows an investor to enter the U.S. for a period of time up to five years to conduct trade. This visa does not require that an individual have an office in the U.S., nor does it require a minimum investment amount. Rather, the treaty holder must prove active trade between the U.S. and country of citizenship. Like the E2 visa, this visa does not lead to a green card, but it can be renewed indefinitely.
L1 Visa. The L1 visa is a hybrid visa between the E2 and the EB5 visas. Like the E2, it is a temporary visa for an applicant to manage a business. Unlike the E2 visa, the L1 visa is a dual intent visa. The investor can initially enter the U.S. temporarily but transition to a permanent green card by filing an EB1C visa application.
EB1C visa. This visa allows an entrepreneur to manage a company in the United States. Most applicants initially enter the U.S. on the L1 Visa. After they run their business for a year, they then apply for an EB1C visa to permanently manage the company.
Rothrock Immigration Lawyer | Experienced US Immigration Attorneys
We counsel our clients not to view US immigration policy and law as an obstacle to “get around.” Rather, we counsel our clients to be careful not to do anything short term that could jeopardize any more important, long-term goals. We counsel our clients to choose cost-effective pathways. Initially, we determine the clients’ short- and long-term goals. We then point out how the creative use of US immigration law can meet the short-term solution required, as well as provide long-term business growth management.
Our Visa approval rates worldwide provide the best evidence of our capabilities and are the envy of our competitors. We are proud to provide what is often “life changing” advice and cost-effective legal solutions to business challenges. As native South Floridians, we are also humbly proud of the part we play in the accomplishments of our clients in the community. We provide “boutique firm” U.S. visa services to accomplish each clients’ goals. If you think you may benefit from our services, please contact us for a free consultation.
Florida immigration lawyer Carl Rothrock files E2 applications for Canadian citizens.
E-2 Treaty Visa Canada. Carl Rothrock, immigration lawyer in Boca Raton, Florida, files E2 treaty visa applications for citizens of Canada wishing to enter the United States. The E-2 visa is a temporary business visa that allows a foreign citizen to develop and manage a business. The citizen must contribute a substantial amount of capital in the business venture.
E-2 treaty visa requirements for Canada
Canadian citizens must control the majority ownership or control of the investing or trading company.
A citizen of the Canada must file the E2 application.
An E-2 visa is temporary. An embassy can issue an E2 visa for a maximum of five years; however, each country’s treaty dictates how long the treaty may be issued.
Each E2 treaty country has specific requirements for eligibility. Click this link to see the specific requirements for E2 treaty visa in Canada.
Child and Spouse of E2 Treaty Applicants
The child and spouse of an E2 holder can obtain an E2 derivative visa.
A can apply for a work permit, and the child can attend school if they hold E2 derivative visas. The spouse does not have to work for the E2 company. The spouse can work anywhere in the United States that permits work authorization.
Contact an Immigration Attorney today for a free consultation
Contact a highly experienced immigration attorney to file your E2 investor application. Carl Rothrock is an immigration lawyer in Boca Raton, Florida. He has been licensed to practice law since 1989. He has represented thousands of clients from more than 100 countries. Mr. Rothrock is admitted to practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals and all Immigration Courts in the United States. He represents clients within and outside the U.S. To schedule a free initial consultation, call Rothrock Immigration Lawyer Boca Raton today.
Carl Rothrock is an immigration attorney with offices throughout Florida.
Carl Rothrock is a Florida immigration lawyer licensed since 1989. He has successfully represented thousands of people from more than 100 countries in the world in visa applications. He has successfully filed cases in investor, business, and family matters, including E2 investor visas, L1 investor visas, EB1A extraordinary ability visas, I130 family sponsorship applications, and citizenship cases. All Immigration Courts in the United States allow Carl to practice before them, and several organizations have recognized Carl’s achievements in immigration law.
Awards, Recognitions, and Memberships
“AV Preeminent®, the highest-ranking level of professional excellence, skill and integrity under the Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating System. Martindale-Hubbell gave Carl an AV rating.
Perfect 10.0 score on AVVO.com, a lawyer rating and referral website
“Top Rated Lawyers in Florida, Immigration,” Lawyers of Distinction
“Immigration Lawyer of the Year, USA” Lawyer Monthly’s Legal Awards
“Nations Top One Percent,” the National Association of Distinguished Counsel
“The Top 10 Immigration Attorneys, Florida,” Best of the Best Attorneys
“10 Top Immigration Attorneys, Florida,” the American Institute of Legal Counsel
“Top 10 Immigration Attorneys, Florida,” Attorney and Practice Magazine
“The Top Immigration Attorneys, Florida,” The Top 100 Lawyers
“Top Ranking Immigration Law Firms in Florida,” American Association of Attorney Advocates
Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association
Member, Academy of International Business
Recent Case Approvals
We received approvals in all of these categories in the last eighteen months:
EB1A, Extraordinary Ability Green Cards
EB1C, Executive Green Cards
EB2NIW, National Interest Waiver Green Cards
EB2, Advanced Degree Green Cards
EB3, Skilled Worker Green Cards
PERM labor certification
E2 Visas
E1 Visas
L1A Visas for Executives
L1B Visas for Specialized Skill Workers
H1B Specialty Occupation Visas
TN Visas for Canadians
601 Waivers for fraud, criminal history, and unlawful presence
Citizenship Applications
Marriage Based Green Cards (adjustment of status and consular processing)
Florida immigration lawyer Carl Rothrock provides several immigration services, including visas for people with extraordinary ability, work visas, investor visas, and family-based visas.
Visas for Extraordinary Ability
EB1A Extraordinary Ability Visa: In order to qualify for an EB1A visa as an “alien of extraordinary ability,” the applicant must prove that he or she has an extraordinary ability in the fields of science, arts, education, business, or athletics. The applicant must show that his or her achievements have been recognized in his or her respective field. The EB1A visa allows an immigrant to enter the country with no job offer or relationship to a U.S. citizen.
EB2 National Interest Waiver: In order to qualify for an NIW visa, the applicant must have an “advanced degree” or “exceptional ability” in the sciences, arts, or business. Further, the applicant must prove that the United States government should waive its requirement of having a job offer because the applicant’s presence in the United States has substantial merit and national importance. An employer may sponsor an employee for the National Interest Waiver. In addition, the applicant can self-sponsor. Like the EB1A, the immigrant does not need a job offer or relationship to a U.S. citizen.
Rothrock Immigration Lawyer Florida | Work Visas
Permanent Work Visas | Florida Immigration Lawyer Carl Rothrock
An employer may sponsor an employee for a permanent job. The permanent residence card is also known as a “green card.” If the petition is approved, the employee’s spouse and children under 21 may also receive green cards. There are three primary categories of business visas. The first is the “EB1,” visa. The second is the “EB2” visa. The third is the “Eb3” visa. The government limits the number of visas each year in each category by country of citizenship as well as type of visa. Some of these categories require the applicant to have a job offer while others do not. Visit our work visa web pages for these visas to learn more.
Rothrock Immigration Lawyer Florida | Investor visas
Immigrants have a number of investor visa options to choose from. Some of these options lead to green cards, while others are temporary options. Below is a list of different types of investor visa options. Click on the link for additional details about the individual visa.
Golden Visa | Florida Immigration Lawyer Carl Rothrock
EB5 Visa: This visa is sometimes called the “Golden Visa” because an investor can obtain a green card by investing a large sum of money. This visa currently requires an investment of $800,000.00 to $1,050,000.00 USD. Depending on the type of EB5 visa selected, the investor may not need to participate in managing the business.
Treaty Visas | Florida Immigration Lawyer Carl Rothrock
E2 Treaty Visa: This visa allows an investor to enter the United States with a smaller investment amount than an EB5. Depending on the investor’s country of citizenship, the investor might be able to own and operate a business with a substantial investment. Although this visa does not lead to a permanent green card, it allows the investor to work in the U.S. for up to five years, and it can be renewed indefinitely. While the investor is running a business in the U.S., he or she might consider another immigration option that leads to a green card.
E1 Treaty Visa: This visa allows an investor to enter the U.S. for a period of time up to five years to conduct trade. This visa does not require that an individual have an office in the U.S., nor does it require a minimum investment amount. Rather, the treaty holder must prove active trade between the U.S. and country of citizenship. Like the E2 visa, this visa does not lead to a green card, but it can be renewed indefinitely.
Entrepreneur Visas
L1 Visa. The L1 visa is a hybrid visa between the E2 and the EB5 visas. Like the E2, it is a temporary visa allowing an entrepreneur to manage a business. Unlike the E2, the L1 visa is a dual intent visa. The investor can initially enter the U.S. temporarily but may transition to a permanent green card by filing an EB1C visa application.
EB1C visa. This visa allows an entrepreneur to manage a company in the United States. Most applicants initially enter the U.S. on the L1 Visa. After they run their business for a year, the can then apply for an EB1C visa to permanently manage the company.
Green Card Through Marriage
An immigrant may obtain a permanent green card by marrying a United States Citizen or U.S. green card holder. In order to obtain a green card through marriage, the immigrant must prove that he or she is legally married to the U.S. citizen or green card holder and that the marriage was not entered into for immigration purposes. The United States government does not recognize “common law” marriages. The parties must be legally married. The marriage green card has the shortest processing time of all the permanent green card options. If a U.S. citizen marries a foreign citizen, the U.S. citizen can sponsor both the spouse and child under 21 for a green card, provided the marriage occurred before the child turned 18.
Other Family-Based Green Cards
An immigrant may obtain a green card if he is the parent, child, or sibling of a US Citizen. An immigrant may obtain a permanent green card if he or she is the child of a U.S. Citizen or green card holder. Note that the parent or sibling of a green card holder may not apply of U.S. residency. In addition, aunts, uncles, grandchildren, and cousins are not eligible to apply for family-based green cards. Processing times vary according to the relation between family members. Visit our family-based green card webpage for additional information.
Biography of Florida Immigration Attorney Carl Rothrock
Prior to practicing immigration law, Carl served as a complex litigation consultant to the defense teams of many Fortune 100 companies, including Shell Oil, British Petroleum, Chevron, Chesapeake Energy, Bank of America, UBS Bank of Switzerland, Johnson & Johnson, American Airlines, and Walmart. He has acted as counsel for over 800 clients in a defective product litigation involving defective construction materials.
Carl has always believed that success begins with hard work. He started mowing orange groves for his father at the age of 8 and continued working for his father’s construction company through high school. Carl took extra classes throughout high school and graduated from high school at age 16. While working two jobs in college, he saved enough money to attend law school without applying for a student loan. He has developed residential and commercial real estate projects and understands the day to day frustrations faced by small business owners.
Carl is a licensed Certified Building Contractor in Florida and is a licensed attorney in the State of Texas. In addition, he is admitted to practice before all Immigration Courts in the United States and the Board of Immigration Appeals. His unique background and qualifications have enabled him to guide foreign investors through the process of doing business in the United States. Carl’s hobbies are scuba diving, boating, and rescuing animals.
To schedule a free initial consultation today, call the Rothrock Law Firm at (239) 330-2534.
E2 Investor Visa Portugal. Carl Rothrock, immigration attorney in Miami, Florida, files E2 investor visa applications for citizens of Portugal wishing to enter the United States. Portugal just recently entered into a treaty with the United States for the E2 Visa. The E-2 visa is a temporary business visa that allows a foreign citizen to develop and manage a business. The citizen must contribute a substantial amount of capital in the business venture.
E2 Investor Visa Portugal | Requirements
Citizens of Portugal must control the majority ownership or control of the investing or trading company.
A citizen of Portugal must file the E2 application.
An E-2 visa is temporary. An embassy can issue an E2 visa for a maximum of five years; however, each country’s treaty dictates how long the treaty may be issued. Currently, Portugal issues E2 visas for 60 months.
E2 treaty countries have different requirements for eligibility.
The Investor’s Spouse and Children are Eligible for Derivative Visas
A spouse of an E2 treaty applicant is eligible for an E2 derivative visa. The derivative visa allows the spouse to live and work in the United States.
A child under the age of 21 of the E2 treaty applicant is also eligible for an E2 derivative visa. The child may attend school in the United States.
Contact an Immigration Attorney today for a free consultation
Contact a highly experienced immigration attorney to file your E2 investor application. Carl Rothrock is an immigration lawyer in Miami. He has been licensed to practice law since 1989. He has filed many E2 treaty applications for investors all over the world. Mr. Rothrock is admitted to practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals and all Immigration Courts in the United States. He represents clients within and outside the U.S. To schedule a free initial consultation, call the Rothrock Law Firm at (239) 206-2363.
U.S. immigration lawyer Carl Rothrock files EB2 NIW applications.
EB2 NIW. Carl Rothrock is a Florida immigration lawyer who has successfully filed EB2 NIW applications. He has represented thousands of clients from over 100 countries. The EB2 National Interest Waiver visa differs from a traditional EB2 visa because the applicant does not need labor certification or a job offer in order to qualify for the visa. If approved, the applicant, his or her spouse, and unmarried children under 21 are all eligible for permanent residence cards.
EB2 NIW Requirements
The Petitioner must establish that (s)he has an advanced degree or that (s)he has an exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. The advanced degree must be equivalent to a U.S. master’s degree. The degree must be related to the endeavor. If the applicant does not have the equivalent of a master’s degree, (s)he can meet this requirement by proving the criteria from the list below.
The proposed endeavor must have substantial merit and national importance.
The Petitioner is well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor.
On balance, it would benefit the United States to waive the requirements of a job offer and labor certification.
The applicant must demonstrate at least three of the following criteria if qualifying based on extraordinary ability instead of a master’s degree:
The requirements for extraordinary ability for the EB2 NIW visa are similar to the requirements for the EB1A extraordinary ability visa.
Official academic record showing a degree, diploma, certificate, or similar award from a college, university, school, or other institution of learning relating to the area of exceptional ability
At least 10 years relevant experience
Professional license
Salary history reflecting the applicant’s exceptional ability
Membership in a professional association(s)
Recognition for achievements and significant contributions to the applicant’s industry or field by peers, government entities, professional or business organizations
Hire a qualified attorney today for the EB2 NIW
Carl Rothrock is a U.S. immigration attorney with offices in Naples and Miami, Florida, with 35 years of experience. He has successfully represented thousands of people from more than 100 countries in the world, including EB2 NIW applicants. The firm’s specialty is business immigration.
Carl has been recognized by several organizations and media publications, including “AV Preeminent®, the highest ranking level of professional excellence, skill and integrity under the Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating System, Perfect 10.0 score on AVVO.com, a lawyer rating and referral website, “Top Rated Lawyers in Florida, Immigration,” Lawyers of Distinction, “Immigration Lawyer of the Year, USA,” Lawyers Monthly Legal Awards, “Nations Top One Percent,” and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. To schedule a consultation today, please call (239) 206-2363.
E2 Treaty Visa Luxembourg. Carl Rothrock, immigration attorney in Miami, Florida, files E2 investor visa applications for citizens of Luxembourg wishing to enter the United States. The E-2 visa is a temporary business visa that allows a foreign citizen to develop and manage a business. The citizen must contribute a substantial amount of capital in the business venture.
E2 Treaty Visa requirements for Luxembourg
Citizens of Luxembourg must control the majority ownership or control of the investing or trading company.
A citizen of Luxembourg must file the E2 application.
An E-2 visa is temporary. An embassy can issue an E2 visa for a maximum of five years; however, each country’s treaty dictates how long the treaty may be issued. Currently, Luxembourg issues E2 visas for up to 60 months.
E2 treaty countries have different requirements for eligibility.
The Investor’s Spouse and Children are Eligible for Derivative Visas
A spouse of an E2 treaty applicant is eligible for an E2 derivative visa. The derivative visa allows the spouse to live and work in the United States.
A child under the age of 21 of the E2 treaty applicant is also eligible for an E2 derivative visa. The child may attend school in the United States.
Contact an Immigration Attorney today for a free consultation
Contact a highly experienced immigration attorney to file your E2 investor application. Carl Rothrock is an immigration attorney in Miami, Florida. He has been licensed to practice law since 1989. He has filed many E2 treaty applications for investors all over the world. Mr. Rothrock is admitted to practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals and all Immigration Courts in the United States. He represents clients within and outside the U.S. To schedule a free initial consultation, call the Rothrock Law Firm at (239) 206-2363.
Carl Rothrock is an immigration lawyer in Cape Coral, Florida.
Carl Rothrock is a Cape Coral immigration attorney with 35 years of experience. He has successfully represented thousands of people from more than 100 countries in the world. The firm’s specialty is business immigration, including forming regional centers, assisting investors in E2 treaty visas, L visas, and EB5 investment visas, and assisting employers and employees with EB1, EB2, and EB3 visas. In addition, Carl represents individuals in family-based immigration services, such as K1 and K2 fiancée visas, marriage visas, I-130 relative visas, I-485 adjustment of status applications, and N-400 and 600 naturalization and citizenship proceedings. Further, the Rothrock Law Firm has successfully obtained waivers for inadmissibility, including unlawful presence, misrepresentation, fraud, and criminal acts. All of the attorneys at the Rothrock Law Firm have been licensed for more than 30 years and all attorneys are rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell.
Awards, Recognitions, and Memberships
“AV Preeminent®, the highest-ranking level of professional excellence, skill and integrity under the Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating System
Perfect 10.0 score on AVVO.com, a lawyer rating and referral website
“Top Rated Lawyers in Florida, Immigration,” Lawyers of Distinction, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
“Immigration Lawyer of the Year, USA,” Lawyer Monthly’s Legal Awards
“Nations Top One Percent,” the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
“The Top 10 Immigration Attorneys, Florida,” Best of the Best Attorneys, 2020
“10 Top Immigration Attorneys, Florida,” the American Institute of Legal Counsel, 2019 and 2020
“Top 10 Immigration Attorneys, Florida,” Attorney and Practice Magazine, 2019 and 2020
“The Top Immigration Attorneys, Florida,” The Top 100 Lawyers, 2018
“Top Ranking Immigration Law Firms in Florida,” American Association of Attorney Advocates, 2020
Member, Academy of International Business, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Recent Case Approvals
We received approvals in all of these categories in the last eighteen months:
EB1A, Extraordinary Ability Green Cards
EB1C, Executive Green Cards
EB2NIW, National Interest Waiver Green Cards
EB2, Advanced Degree Green Cards
EB3, Skilled Worker Green Cards
PERM labor certification
E2 Visas
E1 Visas
L1A Visas for Executives
L1B Visas for Specialized Skill Workers
H1B Specialty Occupation Visas
TN Visas for Canadians
601 Waivers for fraud, criminal history, and unlawful presence
Citizenship Applications
Marriage Based Green Cards (adjustment of status and consular processing)
Family Based Green Cards
Fiancée Visas
Biography of Carl Rothrock, Cape Coral Immigration Attorney
Prior to practicing immigration law, Carl served as a complex litigation consultant to the defense teams of many Fortune 100 companies, including Shell Oil, British Petroleum, Chevron, Chesapeake Energy, Bank of America, UBS Bank of Switzerland, Johnson & Johnson, American Airlines, and Walmart. He has acted as counsel for over 800 clients in a defective product litigation involving defective construction materials.
Carl has always believed that success begins with hard work. He started mowing orange groves for his father at the age of 8 and continued working for his father’s construction company through high school. Carl took extra classes throughout high school and graduated from high school at age 16. While working two jobs in college, he saved enough money to attend law school without applying for a student loan. He has developed residential and commercial real estate projects and understands the day to day frustrations faced by small business owners.
Carl is a licensed Certified Building Contractor in Florida and is a licensed attorney in the State of Texas. In addition, he is admitted to practice before all Immigration Courts in the United States and the Board of Immigration Appeals. His unique background and qualifications have enabled him to guide foreign investors through the process of doing business in the United States. Carl’s hobbies are scuba diving, boating, and rescuing animals.
Regardless of the type of visa you are seeking, you should hire an experienced Cape Coral immigration attorney to handle your case. Carl Rothrock is an experienced Cape Coral immigration lawyer. Call today at (239) 206-8252.
Map of Cape Coral Office: 1222 SE 47th St., #C1, Cape Coral, FL 33904
The EB5 investor visa allows an investor to apply for a green card by creating a commercial business in the U.S. Carl Rothrock is a U.S. immigration attorney with 35 years of experience who has represented thousands of clients from more than 100 countries. In addition, Carl is a Florida state certified building contractor and has owned and operated construction companies for most of his life. He understands the ins and outs of the construction and real estate industry. His background makes him uniquely qualified to represent investors.
Requirements of EB5 Investor Visa
The applicant must invest a minimum of $1,050,000.00. If the investment is located in an economically distressed area called a “targeted employment area,” the government reduces the investment amount to $800,000. The investment amounts change frequently.
The business must create 10 full-time jobs for US workers.
The business must be a commercial business. It cannot be a nonprofit company.
Your investment funds must be “at risk.”
You must use legal funds for your investment.
Benefits of EB5 Visa
The visa is a permanent visa and not a temporary one. The applicant, spouse, and children under 21 will receive a “green card” and can eventually apply for citizenship.
An investor can file his or her own petition without employer sponsorship.
Types of Investor visas
Direct Investment: With the direct investment, the applicant starts his or her own commercial investment and manages the company. The investor takes an active role in this type of investment.
Investment through Regional Center. With the regional center, the applicant invests in a project managed by someone else. The investor takes a passive role in this type of investment.
Frequently Asked Questions about the EB5 Visa
Can I buy a home for $2 million and rent the home? Will this qualify as a direct investment?
Answer: The government will consider this situation as a personal investment and not a commercial business. If you are using real estate as your investment, it has to be some type of commercial business, such as a hotel.
If I buy an existing business that already has employees, can I count the employees that the business already has?
Answer: In most cases, no. You have to create 10 new jobs. There is an exception if you are buying a “troubled business.” A troubled business is a business that has existed for at least 2 years and has experienced a net loss of at least 20 percent of its net worth for the 12 or 24 month period before the date the EB-5 investor filed this or her Form I-526. If the business is a troubled business, the investor may count the jobs saved as jobs created. The saved job must last at least two years.
If I invest in a regional center and the project fails, can I get my money back?
Answer: No. When you are investing funds, they must be at risk. If the investment makes money, you will get your investment back. If the investment fails, you will lose your money. Likewise, you cannot put your funds in a checking account without spending them because they will not be considered “at risk.”
Can the source of my funds be a gift?
Answer: Yes, but the funds need to be gifted to you. The donor cannot pay the bills of the company. The donor’s funds also need to be traceable and legal.
If two people own the business and apply for the EB5 visa, does the business need to create 10 jobs or 20?
Answer: In this case, the business would need to create 20 jobs. Each investor needs to create 10 jobs.
I am concerned with the “at risk” requirement. What happens if I spend the money but my EB5 application gets denied?
Answer: You can place your funds in an escrow account with an escrow agreement that your funds will be returned if the government denies your application. The escrow agreement is not the same as putting your funds in a checking account that you control. An independent agent, usually a title company or attorney, will hold the money in a trust account.
An EB5 investor visa allows a foreign investor to obtain a permanent green card through investing in property that will create jobs and benefit the U.S. economy. The Rothrock Law Firm are experienced immigration attorneys who file EB-5 investor visas. If you wish to schedule a consultation, call today at (239) 206-2363.
